Jim Ozella- ABCA/ATEC High School Div. II Coach of the Year

Next up on the ABCA Podcast is ABCA/ATEC High School Division II Coach of the Year, Jim Ozella.

After an illustrious 40-year coaching career, including 25 years at Hart High School (CA), Ozella retired on a high note, leading Hart to the 2024 CIF SS Div. 2 Championship with a 26-5 record. Hart High School's storied program has captured 36 League Championships, and Ozella has played a pivotal role in developing talent, with eight of his former players, including Tyler Glasnow, James Shields, and Trevor Bauer, reaching the big leagues.

Originally from Illinois, Ozella moved to California in 1983, beginning his coaching journey at Bishop Alemany before his impactful tenure at Hart. He’s also an author, having recently published The Greatest Time to Be a Kid, reflecting on his childhood in Illinois.

Get ready to take notes as Coach Ozella shares his vast experience and insights on fostering competitive spirit in young athletes.

The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.

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